Cyclone Sidr United Nations Rapid Initial Assessment Report

Needs:Needs GeneralThe humanitarian needs resulting from the Cyclone’s destruction are large, and immediate lifesaving relief assistance is urgently needed. This rapid initial assessment confirmed that needs aregreatest in three primary areas; food, shelter, and cash for livelihoods support. Support for thewater and sanitation sectors are also needed, however needs are lesser in these areas. Health andmedical needs are relatively low, although this varies geographically. Of the estimated 4.7 millionpeople affected in the 9 assessed districts, more than half, or 2.6 million people were deemed to bein need of immediate life saving relief assistance for a period of 2 to 3 months. Children andwomen are generally more affected then men. Children are over represented in numbers of deaths,due to their lack of physical strength many were unable to withstand the winds and tidal surgesassociated with the storm.Food SecurityApproximately 2.2 million are in need of food assistance, both in terms of dry food (first 1-2weeks), then rice, and finally a more complete food aid basket with pulses and cooking oil for a 2-3month period. Food markets in the affected areas are generally functional. However, many smallshops selling food in the worst affected areas collapsed or were severely damaged due to the strongwinds and falling trees associated with the storm.Dry food assistance (i.e. ready to eat food) is particularly important in many areas for theimmediate term, as housing and cooking areas are gradually repaired.Shelter and Non-Food ItemsApproximately 1.4 million people are in need of urgent shelter assistance. Shelter materials such ascorrugated iron sheets, wood, and other construction materials are badly needed. Many houseswere completely destroyed and an even larger number were partially damaged. Despite the factthat assessment teams witnessed many communities and households already engaging in self helpshelter reconstruction and repair, it is very clear that external assistance to this sector is desperatelyneeded as many of the poor simply do not have the economic means to engage in these types of selfhelp activities.Non food items such as clothing and blankets are also needed. Approximately 1.2 million peopleare in need of clothing.Water and SanitationSanitation needs are significant, considering the large number of houses destroyed or damagedthere is a corresponding need for family latrines. An estimated 1.3 million people are in need ofurgent sanitation assistance.Drinking water is needed in some areas however in general local government authorities andcommunity members did not highlight drinking water as a major need for all worst affected areas.7